COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA STATED MEETING Thursday, December 16, 1999 10:15 a.m. Room 400, City Hall Philadelphia, Pennsylvania PRESENT: COUNCIL PRESIDENT ANNA C. VERNA COUNCILWOMAN AUGUSTA A. CLARK COUNCILMAN DARRYL L. CLARKE COUNCILWOMAN JANNIE BLACKWELL COUNCILMAN DAVID COHEN COUNCILWOMAN JOAN L. KRAJEWSKI COUNCILMAN JAMES F. KENNEY COUNCILWOMAN DONNA REED MILLER COUNCILMAN MICHAEL A. NUTTER COUNCILWOMAN MARIAN B. TASCO COUNCILMAN ANGEL L. ORTIZ COUNCILMAN FRANK DICICCO COUNCILMAN BRIAN J. O'NEILL COUNCILMAN RICHARD T. MARIANO COUNCILMAN W. THACHER LONGSTRETH COUNCILMAN FRANK RIZZO PATRICIA RAFFERTY, Chief Clerk VINCENT VARALLO ASSOCIATES, INC. Registered Professional Reporters Eleven Penn Center, Suite 600 Philadelphia, PA 19103 OPENING/INVOCATION P R O C E E D I N G S
I note that the hour has come and that a quorum of this Council is present. Council will come to order, members will take their seats, visitors will retire to the seats outside the rails. To give our invocation this morning, the Chair welcomes Father Philip Dowling, Pastor of St. Patrick's Church. He is here today as a guest of Councilman Longstreth. Members and guests will please rise. (All rise.)
Good morning, everyone. Almighty eternal Father, we praise and bless Your holy name. Look kindly on those who have been chosen to legislate the affairs of the people of Philadelphia. In the stillness of this moment, we hear the voices of men and women who once served here, echoing throughout this august chamber. They speak to us about our past, about our struggles, about our accomplishments. OPENING/INVOCATION We gather at the end of another year, a year which brings to a close a century of great turmoil and pain, but also of victories and spectacular achievements of the human spirit. A new millennium opens before us. Lord, do not forget us, do not leave us behind. Enable those charged with responsibility to rise to their full stature. Let them not be hesitant to face what has to be done. Grant them the courage, foresight, and wisdom to rebuild our city to the prominence it once enjoyed; a city to which people want to come, not leave; a city heralded as the Cradle of Liberty; a city renowned for its urban genius; a city of culture and economic importance. And to this mighty endeavor, keep alive among us the vision of our founder who saw clearly a city in which all could worship in freedom. Heal us of the blindness that confuses separation of church and state with separation of religion from life. Heavenly Father, we love our city. We wish for it the very best. Bless us with confident leadership and a true spirit of working APPROVAL OF 12/9/99 JOURNAL together so that all, especially our youth, may find here a home and a welcoming place in which to live and to love. Open the door before us to a new and challenging future. To this may we say amen. ALL: Amen.
The Chair thanks the Reverend for that very beautiful invocation. Thank you so much, Father.
The Council will stand at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is the approval of the Journal of the meeting of December 9, 1999. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the Journal of that date. Give me a second. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the Journal of LEAVES OF ABSENCE the meeting of Thursday, December 9, 1999, stand approved. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it, the motion carries, and the Journal of Thursday, December 9, 1999 is approved.
The next order of business is leaves of absence. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, today, I'm aware of no requests for leaves of absence on the part of the Majority.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
I have no requests for leaves of absence today, Madam President.
The Chair VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS thanks you.
The Chair will dispense with the regular order of business to recognize the guests and visitors joining us in chambers this morning. On behalf of all Members of City Council, I welcome you to our Council session this morning. We appreciate your taking the time to join us as we attend to the legislative affairs of our city. We certainly invite you to come again. Today, we are honoring Mr. Noel Eisenstat. I invite Councilman Kenney to make this presentation and request that Mr. Eisenstat and those accompanying him please come forward.
I believe there may have been some mistake. I believe Councilman DiCicco did introduce that resolution and will be presenting it on behalf of Council.
Oh, I'm sorry. It does have your name here. VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS Councilman DiCicco, sorry. I didn't mean to offend you in any way. Mr. Eisenstat, you've never been shy; why be shy now? Come up and join us. (Noel Eisenstat and staff members come forward.)
Thank you. At this time, I also Invite Councilmember Mariano, Councilwoman Blackwell, and Councilwoman Donna Miller. (Councilmembers come forward.)
This is a resolution honoring Noel Eisenstat. The Council of the City of Philadelphia hereby recognizes and honors Noel Eisenstat for his outstanding contributions to the City of Philadelphia during his tenure as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Authority of Philadelphia. Whereas, since 1992, Noel Eisenstat has served as Executive Director of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority, the City's lead agency for land acquisition and disposition, as well as affordable housing development financing. During VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS this time, he has streamlined operations at the Redevelopment Authority, and thousands of properties have been conveyed for redevelopment to remove blight in our neighborhoods; and. . .
And whereas, among many accomplishment under Noel Eisenstat, the Authority has provided financing and site assembly for over 2,000 units of affordable home ownership, rental and special-need housing for the city's low- and moderate-income residents. The Authority has played an essential role in assembling parcels for commercial, industrial, and retail development throughout the City; and. . .
Whereas, Noel Eisenstat is a driven individual who expects the very best of himself and his employees. One of his most outstanding accomplishments was his successful redevelopment of the Reading Terminal Train Shed. This beautiful historic attraction is now completely linked to our nationally renowned Convention Center and is host to the Hard Rock Cafe, a great tourist attraction; and. . .
Whereas, Noel Eisenstat committed himself not only to the VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS business of the Redevelopment Authority, but also to his family, especially his children. Noel and his wife Beth Rosenbaum live in West Mt. Airy with their sons Benjamin and Aaron. He's a very active member of the synagogue and dedicates time to his community. He has been the recipient of dozens of awards and commendations for his outstanding contributions to citizens of this great city; and Whereas, Noel Eisenstat is leaving the Redevelopment Authority to begin another journal in his life, we are confident that he will bring the same enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to this part of his life, as he has brought to our city.
Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby honor and commend Noel Eisenstat for his outstanding contributions to the City of Philadelphia during his tenure as Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority of Philadelphia. We wish him well in his new future endeavors. Certified that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS the Council of the City of Philadelphia on the 9th day of December, 1999, introduced by Councilmember James Kenney on behalf of Council President Anna C. Verna and cosigned by all members of City Council. Congratulations, Noel. (Applause.)
Now if Noel can get through this speech without a phone in his ear, we'll be lucky. (Laughter.)
Thank you very much for your kind words. This is a sad and happy day for me. I've looked forward to moving on and I've also enjoyed all of the time I've had with every Member here today and your staff, as well as my staff who is here. The Redevelopment Authority's good work is only due to your cooperation that you've always given the Authority, and I'm sure you will in the future. VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS The only other thing I'd like to do is recognize my wife, who's been very understanding. And for those of you who have history in this building, my wife's grandfather served as Clerk of City Council from about 1945 to 1967. His name was Nathan Wolfman (ph.), and I like to think of traditions as something important, and I'm happy to recognize him today. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
Mr. Eisenstat, we want to thank you for all the help that you've been to us, and we certainly want to wish you well, health and success in the future. Thank you.
The Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
Our next presentation is recognizing December 1999 as Ramadan. VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS I invite Councilman Kenney to come to make this presentation. Will Dr. Amin Alirby come forward with those who are accompanying him. Doctor?
This is a resolution recognizing December 1999 as "The Month of Ramadan." Whereas, there are approximately 5 million Muslims living in the United States, and of these, 80,000 reside in the Philadelphia area; and Whereas, all over the world, Muslims will be observing Ramadan from December 9, 1999 to January 8, 2000. Ramadan commemorates the revelation of the Holy Koran, so it is a time of rededication and a time of personal renewal; and Whereas, Ramadan is observed through fasting, prayer, and meditation, as the more than one billion Muslims throughout the word reflect on the foundations of the physical and moral strength they need in this troubled world; and Whereas, Ramadan encourages the Muslim community to develop compassion and unity and charity towards all persons and to seek unity and VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS justice in all things. Now, therefore, resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby recognize December 1999 as Ramadan, and salute the Muslim community of Philadelphia for its contributions to the citizens of this city. We join with you in prayer that the message of peace and brotherhood, which are at the heart of Ramadan, will also find their way into our own hearts and that each sunset will find the world a more serene and holy place. Further resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Al-Aqsa Islamic Society as evidence of the respect of this legislative body for the Muslim community and this holiest of celebrations. Madam President, thank you very much.
Dr. Amin had a medical emergency. He had to go attend to a VISITOR RECOGNITION, PRESENTATIONS patient so Mr. Marwan Kriedie will give remarks.
Dr. Amin had a medical emergency and had to go and attend to a patient, so Mr. Marwan Kriedie will give remarks. Thank you.
Thank you, Council President, Councilman Mariano, and everyone else in the chambers. Ramadan is an important month for the Muslim Community, and as you know, Ramadan changes every year, since it follows the lunar calendar. This year, we find it very appropriate that Ramadan follows and is on the same time as other religions celebrate their holidays. So, from our community to everyone else in the city, let's make these holy days -- the Hanukkah, which just ended, and Christmas coming up -- let's make these a time that we can think about our city and everybody in there -Christian, Muslim, Jew -- and make this a time of peace and serenity. So congratulations from our community to everyone else. Thank you. (Applause.) COMMUNICATIONS
Council will be at ease. (Council stands at ease.)
The next order of business is communications. The Chair requests that the Sergeant-at-Arms deliver the messages from the Mayor to the Chief Clerk. The Chief Clerk will read the messages from the Mayor.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, I am pleased to advise you that I have today signed all of the bills which were passed by Council at its session on December 2, 1999. And a resolution approving the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
The messages will be printed in the Journal. COMMUNICATIONS The Chief Clerk will read any other communications in her possession.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I should have done this earlier, but I think I was not in my seat at the time. Madam President, you were kind enough to recognize many of my constituents who were here today over in the caucus room, but now we are in the Council chambers, and I also wanted to have the opportunity to recognize them, express appreciation for their views and their concerns about a couple of the matters that are on today's calendar, and have them more formally recognized in the Council chamber here this morning.
Certainly. If they would stand, we'd be happy to recognize you. (Councilman Nutter's constituents stand for recognition.) INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS
Thank you for coming in. Thank you for coming in. Thank you. (Applause.)
The next order of business is the introduction of bills and resolutions. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark.
Madam President, I move that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction.
It has been moved and seconded that the rules of Council be suspended so as to permit immediate consideration of resolutions at the time of their introduction. All in favor will vote aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS Councilwoman Clark, do you have any bills or resolutions to introduce today?
Madam President, today I have no bills or resolutions.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Blackwell.
Madam President, today I have no bills or resolutions.
Madam President, I have one resolution. Sorry to break the streak.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution authorizing INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed situate in the 7th and 19th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam President. On your behalf, I offer one resolution today.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution. INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed situate in the 30th and 36th Wards City of the City of Philadelphia.
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution urging the INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS United States House and Senate Immigration Subcommittee to hold joint hearings on the practice of female circumcision, requesting that female circumcision be examined as an additional criteria for asylum.
I move for the approval of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
Thank you, Madam President. I rise this morning certainly to speak to this resolution. Sorry, Madam President. Certainly Tuesday's article about Margareth Awiti of Tanzania, living in Councilman Nutter's area -
Excuse me, Councilwoman. Do you have your microphone on?
Yes, ma'am, I do have it on. Thank you. Is this any better? INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS
Thank you. Tuesday's article about Margareth Awiti, a Tanzanian living in Wynnefield, in Councilman Nutter's area, struck a tender chord in the hearts of many readers. Miss Awiti (inaudible) is a genuine fear. For women in the western world, it is difficult to imagine the physical and emotional torture associated with female circumcision. In other parts of the world, however, some women are expected to endure this procedure, often performed in secret by unskilled practitioners using crude, non-sterilized instruments like razor blades and other unskilled knives. Even though no painkillers are administered, the women do not cry out, for fear of disgracing their families. Sometimes female babies are circumcised at birth and mutilated for life. The fact that female circumcision has been outlawed in Tanzania should weigh on the positive side for Miss Awiti. It affirms that INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS this particular traditional practice needs to be abandoned because it is harmful and humiliating for women, and even Tanzanians no longer believe in it. If, as Margareth avows, the law is rarely enforced, then it means that the judicial system is dominated by those men who are not willing to be strong advocates for change. In February, 1994, this Council supported and voted for a resolution that we sponsored and was passed, thereby creating awareness for the plight of many unfortunate women and raising their hopes for legal protection. Margareth Awiti has spent most of her life running away from the painful experience of a forced marriage to a man 50 years her senior. Because she is brave enough to speak out on behalf of women in similar circumstances, she certainly deserves a chance for asylum. It is our sincere hope that her case will receive considerable support. And because of that, we have here the copy of the Resolution, No. 646, that was passed by Members of City Council in February, 1994. Supporting those were Congressman Patricia INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS Schroeder, who at that time, and Barbara Rose Kyland (ph.), who introduced a law, the Federal Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act of 1993, calling on the U.S. House or Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and President Clinton to support the legislation. And so we again mention this. We certainly are very, very sorry to hear about another such horrible case, but certainly would like to again note that Council has been on the right side of change and on the right side of defending and protecting women all over the world. Thank you. And with that, we tell Councilwoman Miller again we're very happy to support this legislation.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller.
Thank you, Madam President. I just want to speak too to the resolution and also be recorded as voting aye on the bills and resolutions that I missed while I was out of the Council chamber. INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS Women who seek asylum based on this and other gender-based issues face skepticism within the immigration courts that still view malecentered criteria and religious persecution as being more aligned with the refuge definition. And most endeavor to prove their case with painful testimony that is both shameful and difficult to divulge. And we just want to urge all people -male and female -- to write to Senator Kennedy, write to Senator Specter or call your local Congressperson or your United States senator to support that the immigration authority will grant the asylum to not just the person mentioned in our resolution but also to any women, to be more sensitive. Thank you.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I will certainly be brief. I just wish to commend again Councilwoman Miller and appreciate the comments of Councilwoman Blackwell INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS on this particular issue. I have, on one occasion, been involved with a matter similar to this with a woman who was about to be deported to Liberia, again, facing the prospect of genital mutilation. I was able in that particular situation, with strong support from the U.S. Attorney General's Office and the local Immigration and Naturalization Service, we were able to prevent the deportation of that particular young lady in that circumstance. We are now faced with another. This particular individual happens to be a constituent of mine, and I'm seeking to work with those same entities to hopefully prevent her return to Tanzania, again, to possibly face such a horrible and horrifying act that would be perpetrated against women -- whether from Tanzania or from other countries across this world. And so I commend Councilwoman Miller for her action. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you, Councilman. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS Clark.
Madam President, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important issue. As a legislator and a woman of African descent, I strongly support this resolution, which reemphasizes the need for our government to recognize the seriousness of female circumcision and genital mutilation. I cannot imagine, were this kind of barbarous procedure to be the fate promised of man, that the United States Congress would say it is not a reason for asylum. I guess we got one more reason to increase the number of women who sit in legislative bodies. Because if you could see young women who have had this done to them, imagine being held down and having somebody take a razor blade, that may or may not have been sterilized, and mutilating your genitalia while you are fully awake. No anesthesia. Somebody said this is because of tradition? Well, it's time for us to end that tradition. And certainly we as Americans cannot condone it by sending young women back to a fate INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS worse than death. So I am very pleased to support the resolution and to urge my colleagues to do our part to end our condoning such a barbarous practice.
Thank you, Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, thank you. I think it's very important for men to begin speaking out on this subject very strongly. It indicates very clearly that the world still doesn't recognize the equality of women. They believe that women's tales are fanciful tales and never true and never worthy of consideration. The fight for feminine equality has advanced a great deal, but clearly has not been one when we see that this barbarous practice still exists in many parts of the world, and that Congress is composed, as Councilwoman Clark said, overwhelmingly of men, feels that it's not a matter for them to be seriously concerned about. I commend the sponsors of this INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS resolution and believe that we ought to make very clear our unanimous support of this resolution and against that practice. To return a woman to face this horrible mutilization (sic) of her body is a terrible thing, and we certainly ought to stand very strong against it. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. All those in favor of the adoption of the resolution will say aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. I have no bills or resolutions today.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
The clerk will please read the title of the resolution.
A resolution approving INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS the redevelopment contract and disposition supplement of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment and urban renewal of a portion of the Stenton Avenue Urban Renewal Area.
Madam President, I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
I have no bills or INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS resolutions today, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I have two Redevelopment Authority resolutions and one resolution cosponsored by yourself, Councilman Kenney, Councilman DiCicco, and Councilman Longstreth.
Okay. The clerk will please read the title of the first resolution.
A resolution authorizing the City Council of Philadelphia to request that the City Planning Commission undertake a study to determine strategies for future development in Center City, Philadelphia.
The Chair INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS recognizes Councilman Clarke.
Thank you, Madam Chair. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the resolution has been adopted. The clerk will read the title of the second resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed situate in the 16th, 29th, and 37th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.) INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTIONS
It has been moved and properly seconded that the motion be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of the last resolution.
A resolution authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia a deed situate in the 28th, 29th, 32nd, and 47th Wards of the City of Philadelphia.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the resolution be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying COMMITTEE REPORTS aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The Chair recognizes Councilman Longstreth.
Madam President, I have no bills or resolutions today.
The Chair thanks the gentleman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Rizzo.
The next order of business is reports from committees. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for a report from the Committee of Public Property and Public Works.
Madam President, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works reports Resolution No. 990890 out of committee with a favorable recommendation. COMMITTEE REPORTS
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, to which was referred Resolution No. 990890, a resolution approving the City of Philadelphia's amended 911 Plan, and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to submit the amended 911 Plan to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency for review and approval, as required by the Pennsylvania Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act, respectfully reports that it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
This resolution will be placed at the end of today's calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz for a report from the Public Safety Committee.
Madam Chair, the Public Safety Committee reports two resolutions -Resolution No. 990615 and Resolution No. 990775 COMMITTEE REPORTS out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Public Safety, to which was referred Resolution No. 990615, a resolution authorizing the City Council's Committee on Public Safety to hold a public hearing to investigate the possibility of changing the existing procurement process for salvers that pick up abandoned automobiles through a procurement process that creates or requests a proposal system for each police district, respectfully reports that it has considered the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Madam Chair, I move the adoption of the report to the resolution.
It has been moved and properly seconded that the report of Resolution No. 990615 be accepted. COMMITTEE REPORTS All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The report for Resolution No. 990615 stands approved. Resolution No. 990615 will be placed at the end of today's calendar. Councilman Clarke, do you want to be recognized?
Yes. Just a quick word, Madam President. I'd like to thank Councilman Ortiz for conducting these hearings and the other members of the Public Safety Committee, and I'd like to thank the many residents and police officers that came down and testified on behalf of this bill. It became quite clear to me that in order for us to resolve this very, very difficult problem, that we have to cooperate across party lines, whereas there's legislation pending in Harrisburg, I ask that all members of both this body and members of the Pennsylvania legislature and Senate cooperate, and we will probably get to COMMITTEE REPORTS some resolution. At that particular hearing, I asked members from the community to come down and do a check on us during the budget hearings, and if we had not come up with some resolution, to let us here it at that time. So I again ask that we cooperate fully in this matter. Thank you.
Thank you. The clerk will please read the report of Resolution No. 990775.
The Committee on Public Safety, after a full hearing on Resolution No. 990775, on December 6, 1999, adopted the attached recommendations at a public meeting on December 13, 1999. The committee requests that said recommendations be adopted by the entire City Council as the recommendations of the entire City Council.
Madam Chair, I move that the report on Resolution No. 990775 be approved. COMMITTEE REPORTS (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that the report for Resolution No. 990775 be accepted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. The report for Resolution No. 990775 stands approved, and that resolution will be placed at the end of today's calendar. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller for a report from the Education Committee.
Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Education reports Resolution No. 990041 out of committee with a favorable recommendation.
To the President and Members of the Council of the City of Philadelphia, the Committee on Education, to which COMMITTEE REPORTS was referred Resolution No. 990041, a resolution authorizing City Council's Committee on Education to hold public hearings on a proposal to require the School District of the City of Philadelphia to educate elementary and secondary school-aged children about the historical events surrounding the Great Irish Famine of 1945-1950, respectfully reports that it has considered and amended the same and returns the attached resolution to Council with a favorable recommendation.
Resolution No. 990041 will be placed at the end of today's calendar. Are there any other report from committees? (No response.)
Our next order of business would be the consideration of the first-reading calendar. However, we do not have any bills on the first-reading calendar; therefore, the Chair will go into our COMMITTEE REPORTS second-reading calendar. And the Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark for the purpose of calling up bills to be considered on the second-reading and final-passage calendar.
Madam President, because we have a long list today, perhaps it would be useful for me to just call those that are not going to be heard.
So today, we will not hear bills on the first and second page. They are: Bill No. 980239, 990492, 990606, and 980048. Repeating, 980048.
All other bills printed in this calendar are called up for second and final passage.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Madam President, I would like to move to suspend that portion of the COMMITTEE REPORTS first sentence in Roman numeral VII, Paragraph 6, which reads as follows: And this applies after the bill is reported, ready for a vote and final passage, our rules require the President to repeat after each bill the following: The President shall announce, as follows, "This bill having been read twice on two different days, the question now is, shall the bill pass finally?" That portion -- I move that the rules be suspended so as to not require the President to read that statement after each bill today. It would still be a separate vote and could lead to possible discussion on each bill. Thank you.
There's no doubt about it, Councilman. Thank you. Do I hear a second? (Duly seconded.)
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and the motion is carried. Thank you, Councilman Cohen. SECOND READING - BILL 990718 The first bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990718.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to purchase fee simple title to a parcel of real estate, with any improvements situate thereon, located at 3033 South 63rd Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990331. The clerk will SECOND READING - BILL 990331 read it.
An ordinance approving the redevelopment proposal of the Redevelopment Authority of the City of Philadelphia for the redevelopment of a portion of the Jefferson Square Redevelopment Area, Jefferson Square Urban Renewal Area, being the area generally bounded by Washington Avenue on the north, South Fourth Street on the east, Dickinson Street on the South, and South Sixth Street on the west.
Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to speak on Bill No. 990331. I'd like to call to the attention of this Council one element of the Redevelopment Authority project that will commence as a result of this legislation and much of the discussion that took place in the Rules Committee when we were hearing the bill being read before us today. I'm proud to report that my office and the Jefferson Square Community Corporation have entered into a comprehensive agreement with the homeowners in the affected area, an agreement that SECOND READING - BILL 990331 will ensure that those homeowners are able, regardless of household income, to benefit from the redevelopment. In short, the agreement provides that the existing owner-occupants will be provided the opportunity to acquire replacement housing within the redevelopment area at no additional cost from what they are currently paying in monthly housing costs. This agreement was described to the Rules Committee, which encouraged its being reduced to writing in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding. That Memorandum of Understanding has been drafted and signed by myself, by the Jefferson Square Community Development Corporation, and by representatives of the St. John's Leadership Team, two of which are here this morning -- oh, more than two, excuse me. Several of the Leadership Team are here this morning. I thank you for your patience with me and for your cooperation to reach this conclusion. I thank the Rules Committee for its help in making this happen and I ask for the President's consent to make this Memorandum of Understanding a part of the record of this SECOND READING - BILL 990331 legislative action. I also have a letter from Mr. Eisenstat, of the Redevelopment Authority, making it clear that the Redevelopment Authority will schedule its relocation activities, consistent with the Memorandum of Understanding, and I ask that this letter also be made a part of the record. I've provided to each of the Members here this morning a copy of the letter from Noel Eisenstat to Mr. Ackelsberg, who is a representative from the Community Legal Services on behalf of the St. John's Leadership Team, and I will provide copies of these letters to the clerk so that they will be made a part of the record.
May I also suggest that copies be provided to the stenographer. Thank you.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990496.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code relating to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," and by adding a new Section 14-1616, entitle "Special Height Controls for Arch Street."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990673.
An ordinance authorizing the Health Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a contract with the Health Care Advocate to represent the City's health-care consumers in various matters relating to the provision of and access to health care.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990678.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code related to zoning and planning by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," and by adding a new Section 14-1617, entitled "Fifth Street Special District Controls."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 990719.
An ordinance amending Section 14-1705 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Appeals to the Zoning Board of Adjustment," by providing that appeals to the Zoning Board of Adjustment shall not stay proceedings in furtherance of the action appealed from.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called up for consideration is Bill No. 990729.
An ordinance amending Section 9-211 of the Philadelphia County, entitled "Boxes for the Distribution of News and Printed Material."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING - BILL 990760 The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 990760.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-1600, entitled "Miscellaneous," by amending Section 14-1615, entitled "Main Street Manayunk Special Controls District," by establishing use and zoning controls for Venice Island, under certain terms and conditions.
The clerk will call the roll. Oh, I'm sorry. Councilman Cohen?
I rise to literally speak against 760 and the remarks I make may be applicable to the following two bills. These are the bills that deal with the Venice Island matter (unintelligible). . .
Excuse me, Councilman. Just fix your microphone.
I have it on. (Councilman DiCicco adjusts Councilman Cohen's microphone.)
First, my thanks to SECOND READING - BILL 990760 Councilman DiCicco. I will be happy to recommend him if he ever applies for any electrical position. I am speaking in opposition to Bill No. 990760, and the remarks that I make may well be applicable to the two following bills -- 990761 and 990762. The three bills are a package of three bills which bring the people here today, and which is has aroused a great deal of interest throughout Philadelphia and, to my knowledge, represent of the views of the overwhelming of citizens of Philadelphia who have any familiarity with the problem. Venice Island is a small area up in the Roxborough-Manayunk section of the City. It is enclosed on all sides by the Schuylkill River. It is an area that has been visited by floods on 10 occasions, the records indicate, over the last 130 years. One never knows when a flood like Flood Floyd (sic) comes and visits you. It may come at any time, it may not come for many years. Since people of the United States became, during the 1960s and thereafter, very much interested in environmental matters, questions SECOND READING - BILL 990760 like floods have raised serious concern. We know of many, many cases where people are driven out of their homes in the middle of the night, where roads are clogged with refugees from floods and from other natural disasters. Mother Nature, you know, despite all the wonders of the modern technology, Mother Nature is still Mother Nature and is a dominant influence, and we cannot control it, but we can learn to live with it, we can learn to lessen the dangers. Therefore, throughout United States over many, many years, various legislative acts have taken place to protect people from the ravages of Mother Nature and to safeguard lives and health. Various legislative bodies at various times have appropriated, and are currently considering, the appropriations in Pennsylvania of hundreds of millions of dollars to buy land and to keep it free wherever land exists that is subject to natural disasters. There are federal laws that deal with flood control. The people in Manayunk and Roxborough are concerned that the plans of a developer to put residential dwellings on this island, which has SECOND READING - BILL 990760 been visited by floods and which today is a barren area, because of one industrial plant on it, has ceased operating, there are plans by a developer to put apartments on that building. There are additional plans, if this one goes through, to increase the number of dwellings -- I think there's a sign among those who are here indicating 700 apartments. Now, there are only four small entryways, which are also exitways, from this island, and in the event of a natural disaster, removing people from the island to promote their safety and protect them is a very doubtful thing. One wonders whether if a flood's coming down heavily and the roads get clogged, because as you know, the Manayunk-Roxborough area is a very lively area these days, a very growing area, one wonders whether evacuation could be safely accomplished for all of the residents. (Councilman Cohen experiences more microphone problems.)
I need Councilman DiCicco again. (Councilman DiCicco adjusts Councilman SECOND READING - BILL 990760 Cohen's microphone.)
Councilman DiCicco says, says despite my Jewish faith, I've also joined the Italian faith in speaking with the hands. Well, Jewish people also speak with their hands, Councilman DiCicco. Environmental matters are always very complicated. There are no clear answers. One cannot predict a volcano erupting, one cannot predict the coming of a flood or a hurricane. They sometimes come overnight. It seems that the action proposed by this developer, who, like all other developers, is interested in an economic return, and if a disaster strikes 25 or 30 years from now, when many of us may not be here, and certainly the developer will have long been gone after he gets his profits, maybe in a year or two, the disaster may hit this area, and there may be enormous damage to life and property. And it seems foolhardy that without a totally full study of this situation, with reports to the public, with complete cooperation and participation by the public, particularly in the SECOND READING - BILL 990760 Manayunk-Roxborough, area it seems foolhardy to move ahead and to go in the wrong direction. And I think this proposal goes clearly and flies in the face of the direction that's occurring all throughout the nation of keeping dangerous land areas freer from having living quarters placed upon it, where citizens are put in danger. Therefore, I have asked previously that this matter be withdrawn. It's the same request that Councilman Nutter, the sponsor of this bill, made to the Zoning Board. They did not listen to him, apparently, and they started proceedings. I'm not familiar with that phase of it. I think this matter ought not to be considered today but, apparently, Councilman Nutter feels otherwise. And, therefore, I'm urging that this matter not be acted on. There's no emergency requiring action on this bill until the community is fully comfortable that such a proposal is safe. And in the alternative, if it's found that this is not safe, then I believe that -- then I believe that this matter ought to be totally withdrawn. I think what's important is the safety of the people of Philadelphia, not the SECOND READING - BILL 990760 development of this island for personal profitable reasons. I will therefore ask at this time that this matter be tabled, and I so move. (Applause.)
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I think we should explain what we're doing here. Councilman Cohen is asking that Bill No. 990760 be tabled. If you are voting yes or aye, you're voting to table the bill. If you're voting no, the bill will be considered today. So I would ask the clerk to start the SECOND READING - BILL 990760 roll call again, please.
No. The ayes are 5 and the nays are 11. (Applause.)
Councilman Ortiz, do you want to be recognized? Councilman Ortiz, do you care to be recognized?
Yes, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, over the last two weeks, I read more about flood plains and flood ways than I've ever wanted to in my life. And what all of this issue has done is really raise questions. And the questions are too many to be able to make a decision that is -- that I would consider in my mind responsible. I don't know all the facts. I trust SECOND READING - BILL 990760 Councilman Nutter in terms of his desire to cap development in such a way as to prevent the overdevelopment of this area, and I believe that that may be the thrust of the overall legislation. However, I don't know whether any sort of development, in terms of residential, should be allowed in this area at all. And that's part of the answers that I do not have. And, therefore, I understand where that -- the Zoning Board can act on a variance, but I believe that if this Council acts together and has enough questions, I don't believe the Zoning Board would go along that way. We had a developer here the other day -- were this -- Council had hearings until 10 o'clock in the evening for a developer who acted irresponsibly with people. I do not believe that we just take developers' words on their face value. I believe that if there are enough questions that have been raised and we don't have the answers to those questions, I believe that this thing should be laid over into the next term and we should be able, in a deliberate manner, be able to go through everything and come to a reasonable decision, a decision, I think, that SECOND READING - BILL 990760 would satisfy the citizens of Manayunk and Roxborough and would be fair to any development that would happen in Venice Island. For that reason, because I have all of those questions that have not been answered, I will vote no on these bills. (Applause.)
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Nutter.
Thank you, Madam President. First, to my colleagues, I appreciate and respect your remarks. I've had an opportunity to talk with certainly Councilman Cohen extensively about this, not as much with Councilman Ortiz. As I started off earlier today, first let me say again that my respect and appreciation for the concerns of many of my constituents and, as I understand it, some who may not be constituents in the 4th District but live in Philadelphia or operate in Philadelphia, I think, have raised a number of very serious and legitimate concerns. SECOND READING - BILL 990760 The other side of that debate and discussion is, there is private property on Venice Island. The City of Philadelphia owns some, but the bulk of the island is owned privately. Currently, the zoning is G2 industrial, and I've shared some information with my colleagues -- the packages are on your desks -- of the kinds of things that can be developed, as a matter of right, in G2 industrial, and we can talk about that. The studies that either Councilman Cohen talks about or Councilman Ortiz talks about, this legislation does nothing with regard to any easing of required studies that will be a part of any proposed development that may happen on Venice Island. This legislation does not specifically approve or authorize any particular developer's proposal or idea. Developers, individuals, regular homeowners always reserve the right to go to the Zoning Board and get redress from any onerous zoning regulations that they feel impact their use of their property. The studies that will be required under these circumstance are the same. S. Army Corps of Engineers, various state agencies, and anyone else that has authority and jurisdiction in this particular area. Let me direct your attention to the materials that are on your desk. There's a memorandum dated December 15, 1999 from Rich Lombardo, City Planning Commission, which discusses construction in the flood plains of both the Schuykill and Delaware Rivers. Please note in particular of this memo, which provides a sampling of existing recently approved and pending residential developments that are all located in the flood plain of those two rivers. Of particular interest is Bill No. 990847, which is also on our calendar today and scheduled for a vote on second reading and final passage. That bill was also heard in the December 8, 1999 public hearing. It will allow for 1700 residential units in the flood plain. No one raised any flood plain concerns at the public hearing about this project, and it is project-specific. SECOND READING - BILL 990760 Also, please refer to of this memo, which shows what the traffic impact would be for various development scenarios on Venice Island. The bills before Council limit development to the first preferred scenario. Number two is a listing of the permitted uses on Venice Island presently, under G2 industrial zoning, in a discussion of the various open areas, screening, and landscaping provision contained in the zoning overlay pending before us today. It's a complete list of all the permitted uses under G2 industrial. " A copy of this manual is actually on my desk. ) property, Bill 990847, 1700 units. In the Schuylkill River flood plain and floodway, the Zoning Board of Adjustment has approved developed at 24th and Locust, 2431 Locust, Fitler Walk. Council has approved, although not yet built 23rd and Race, 1200 units. Council's approved 8600 Lindbergh Boulevard, 175 units. The zoning overlay before us does, in fact, allow for -- although does not promote and does not specifically authorize -- upwards of 700 units of housing. The actual number currently proposed by any of the developers is about 500. 35. The allowable number of units is 743. m. peak cars per hour would be an additional 372. m. Peak cars per hour. There are proposals that the island should be developed with commercial, retail, cultural, recreational, light industry, and office space use. m.
peak cars per hour. m. peak cars per hour. It's in the Planning Commission document. Madam President, some of the allowed uses in G2 industrial are: automobile body and fender work and spray; killing, dressing, packing, and canning of poultry and rabbits; the SECOND READING - BILL 990760 manufacture of cars; prisons; parking lots; parking garages; open-air automobile sales lots; and the sale of live animals for human consumption. Also allowed with a certificate showing no hardship is the dismantling and wrecking of used cars, including: open-air storage of wrecked autos and parts; junk yard, including storage and bailing; public stable and dog kennels. Additionally on the site of the Royal Cafe, since it is an commercial-use, the G2 zoning would permit this property to be used for any use permitted in the area shopping-center commercial zoning classification, which permits a broad range of retail commercial uses, including businesses like Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Now, the following uses are not permitted under G2 classification: recreational use of any type, including hiking and/or biking trails and outdoor entertainment of any kind. The proposed RC-1 zoning classification would not permit any of the mentioned earlier G2 zoning uses. This overlay would permit single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and permitted SECOND READING - BILL 990760 recreational uses. Lastly, let me say this, Madam President. Under G2, open area is not required and buildings may occupy 100 percent of the lot. Under the RC-1 proposed rezoning, that would not be the case. Concerning the current G2 zoning of the property and the current uses of the property -- vacant industrial buildings and a restaurant -- a property owner would have an easier time making a hardship argument to the Zoning Board for additional commercial development on the island than if the property were to be rezoned RC-1 as part of a well thought out comprehensive plan. Despite the rezoning to RC-1, the developer still has to go to the Zoning Board for approval to build on Venice Island because of the flood plain issue. City Council adoption of the new RC-1 residential zoning classification, the zoning of Venice Island to RC-1, and the inclusion of Venice Island under the provisions of the Main Street Manayunk Zoning Overlay constitutes the enactment of a comprehensive lands use plan for Venice Island. Some of the goals of the plan, including SECOND READING - BILL 990760 riverfront access to the public, which is not presently allowed, public recreation and low-density development, can be assured by the passage of these three bills. There is no guarantee that any of these goals would be attained by allowing development to proceed via the zoning variance process. Let me lastly say, Madam President, that most of the debate here is not only about very legitimate issues of public safety and flooding, but there are also issues and disputes about the type of development, because many of my constituents and people who are concerned about this will be the first to tell you that they are not against development. The debate here is one of what type of development. And along the lines of recreational and cultural use, I certainly support those developments. We don't own the majority of land on Venice Island, but there have been discussions with the developers about their acceding to the wishes of community people to incorporate those kinds of uses on their projects, as well as the City of Philadelphia supporting those kinds of SECOND READING - BILL 990760 uses for the public land that is owned on Venice Island. There is a serious parking problem in Manayunk, as my constituents certainly well know. There may be opportunities here to increase the available public parking to get the patrons and people who come to Manayunk who don't live in Manayunk to park in the parking lots that are available to park their cars and get them out of the neighborhood.
There are discussions that may allow us to put forward a very unique permitparking program in Manayunk to further force nonresidential people to park in the public parking lots that are available. I will have further discussion about that later. There are discussions with PennDOT and State Representative Lita Cohen and State Representative Kathy Mandarino and Lower Merion Township Commissioner Joe Manko about the ongoing dilemma we have with PennDOT about changing the timing of lights on the Green Lane Bridge as it affects Main Street and all the other intersections around it. There appears to be movement on that particular issue as well. SECOND READING - BILL 990760 And so with all of that, Madam President, and understanding the concerns and respecting the concerns of my constituents and my colleagues, I will still ask for consideration of this bill today and an affirmative vote so that we can better control and better manage any potential growth and development on Venice Island. Thank you, Madam President.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. I think those of us in public life who hold elective office know there are two parts to the process when you pass legislation. One deals with the merits of the legislation; the second deals with the understanding of the public about the legislation and the question as to whether the passage of the legislation increases the confidence of the public, or whether it increases the alienation of the public from the government. When you put up a bill for passage on the last day of a calendar term when it involves the development, following stories in the SECOND READING - BILL 990760 newspapers about how developers have influenced the administration, when the public has all kinds of questions about the bill that are unresolved, it is not enough for a legislator to say, I have studied this, I am convinced this bill is in the best interests of everybody. It's important that the public also be convinced that the bill is in the best interests of the community. There are large numbers of organizations and environmental groups throughout the City that are extremely disturbed by this bill. Maybe it's only because they don't have your understanding and your brilliance, Councilman Nutter. Maybe if there's more time for discussion and more involved participation by the public, maybe they would come to agree with you, or maybe you would see the wisdom of their thinking. We don't know what that final decision would be. But I submit, Madam President, and to all of my colleagues that we have a responsibility not to take actions when large numbers of our community are very concerned. This is the situation which must be acted on today or else doom comes tomorrow? This is a situation which SECOND READING - BILL 990760 allows for enough time so that the material you presented to us today can be considered by everybody, and everybody can participate until there is a genuine consensus of opinion as to what is in the best interests. To ram this proposal down the throats of the community that has serious questions and objections, I submit, is wrong. These are some of the groups in Manayunk that have opposed the passage of these bills, and I question, do we want to take an action which increases their concern, rather than to take the action of allowing time for study and consideration, which will increase their confidence in government? The Manayunk Neighborhood Council, the Friends of Manayunk Canal, the East Falls Civic Association, Umbria Street Neighbors, the residents of Shawmont Valley, the 21st Ward Community Council, the Roxborough Green Space Project, the Philadelphia Canoe Club. And among environmental groups in the local area: the Pennsylvania Clean Water Action, the Clean Air Council, the Pennsylvania Environmental Defense Foundation, the Schuykill SECOND READING - BILL 990760 River Keeper, the local group of the Sierra Club, the Sustainable Society Action Project. These are among the groups that have spoken out already of their concern. These are not groups that are looking to destroy Philadelphia or to prevent economic development. These are groups that are looking for healthy, safe communities. They want to stay in Philadelphia. They've proved their loyalty to the City by participating in all kinds of positive community actions. I think it's just wrong to say to them, I don't care about your concerns, I know better than you, I'm going to push this bill forward. I think the better approach would be an approach which says, Let's get together, let's spend the time we have to spend until we come to an agreement with respect to what ought to be done. Maybe there ought to be no development on this island at all 'cause that's the direction that many communities throughout the whole United States are going on. Maybe there ought to be an industrial development, maybe a residential, whatever. Maybe we ought to tie this development SECOND READING - BILL 990760 in with the parking problem and try to resolve all of them.
But whatever decision we come to, I submit, it ought to be a decision that elicits support from the whole community and not the strong opposition that exists today. I urge my colleagues to vote know no on these three bills. Thank you, Madam President. )
Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, I plan also to vote no on these three bills. I think part of it is confusion, and I would just like to read a letter to the Zoning Board of Adjustment from the sponsor of these three bills, and I quote: "I'm stating my opposition to this variance application. The members of the Zoning Board are probably familiar with the events of September 16, 1999, when the City experienced an extremely heavy rainfall resulting from Hurricane SECOND READING - BILL 990760 Floyd. This led to severe flooding in many locations in Philadelphia, and especially in the vicinity of Venice Island and Main Street in Manayunk. The application before you was a site which suffered serious flooding, and which is located within the floodway. "I, therefore, question the wisdom in converting this former factory building into apartments units." Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. To my colleague Councilman Rizzo, I appreciate his attention to any of my letters, regardless of who I might write them to. I would only suggest -- and I don't have the letter in front of me, but I think if he were to look at the letter, if he has the entire letter from memory, I believe if the Councilman would like to read the last portion of the letter, I believe the letter, SECOND READING - BILL 990760 paraphrasing, says, But if the board does choose to approve this particular proposal, they should do so under certain circumstances and with certain provisos, providing that the Federal Emergency Management Authority provides the necessary studies and documentation for this, that an evacuation be provided in conjunction with the police and the fire department, and various other proposals, either of mine or other community groups and organizations. And I'm sure that as Councilman Rizzo reads through the rest of the letter, if he chooses to, he can put on the record what the rest of that letter says. Secondly, with regard to Councilman Cohen, again, who I deeply respect his opinion, Councilman, you will not find in this record or any other record any decision by me where I have stated that I know better than anyone else about these particular issues. I know enough to know that I still have a lot to learn and a lot of growing to do in this process. What the Councilman may or may not be aware of, though, is that this process didn't just SECOND READING - BILL 990760 start a couple of weeks ago. This process started over a year ago in the various design stages and in various meetings and discussions leading up to this point in time. Now, there will always be disputes about the process, and there will always be disputes about whose input was taken and whose was not. But there were many, many meetings about this particular issue. In a perfect world, it would be wonderful if were was not on today's calendar, if it was on the calendar in September, if it was on the calendar at some other point in time earlier in the year, but it is here today. We had a full extensive public hearing on this matter on December 8th. Now, the Councilman would like for me to take his judgment about something that he had an opportunity to sit in chambers for about four hours on and listen to riveting and thorough and important testimony. I would only submit to him that I've had the opportunity to work on this particular issue for close to a year and have had the pleasure and the honor of representing people SECOND READING - BILL 990760 in Manayunk on a variety of issues and on many pieces of legislation to slow down growth in the Main Street, Manayunk community. We have not, to my recollection, been to the Zoning Board, for instance, to deal with restaurants for, I believe, the past two years because of legislation that this Council passed to slow down the explosion of growth in restaurants, which lead to close to 30 restaurants in a 4-block area. Madam President, I guess I would lastly say that I used to hear from my grandmother from time to time that what's good for the goose is good for the gander. And if Councilman Cohen chooses to want to be actively involved in the activities of the 21st Ward, which is his right as a Councilman-at-large, then maybe I should be more active in the events and the activities in the 17th Ward. There are matters that come through this body, there are issues that have been raised with regard to LaSalle University, which I respected his opinion and his view about that particular. But I have many LaSalle graduates who live in the 4th Councilmatic District who have a SECOND READING - BILL 990760 difference of opinion about a particular matter up there. And this can go both ways. It should not, because I've been respectful on that particular issue, and I would only ask for the same respect and accommodation in this particular matter as has been shown in many instances in the past.
Aye. The ayes are 13, the nays are 3. A majority of members voting in the affirmative, the bill passes. (Applause.)
The next bill SECOND READING - BILL 990761 being called for consideration is Bill No. 990761.
An ordinance amending Title 14 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Chapter 14-200, entitled "Residential Districts," by repealing Section 14-221, entitled "RC-1 Residential District," and adopting a new Section 14-221, entitled "RC-1 Residential District," under certain terms and conditions.
Madam President, I ask that the remarks that occurred in the previous bill be included in consideration of this bill, which means I will be voting no on this bill.
The record will so be noted. The clerk will please call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 13, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990762.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area bounded by the Manayunk Canal, the Schuykill River, and Fountain Street.
Madam President, I make the same request that the remarks of all Members of Council made in connection with Bill No. 990760 be included in as remarks covering this bill, which means, again, that I will be voting no on this bill.
The Chair thanks the Councilwoman. The clerk will please call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 990762
Aye. The ayes are 13, the nays are 3. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990812.
An ordinance amending Section 19-1303 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Authorization to Offer Exemptions from Real-Estate Taxes on New Construction of Residential Property."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990817.
An ordinance declaring that it is desirable for the health, safety, and welfare of the people in the area served by the Special People in the Northeast.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990844.
An ordinance amending Title 14 the Philadelphia County, entitled "Zoning and Planning," by amending Section 14-1703, relating to zoning and use registration permits.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of Members of Council having voted in the SECOND READING - BILL 990847 affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill for consideration is Bill No. 990847.
An ordinance to amend the Philadelphia Zoning Maps by changing the zoning designations of certain areas of land located within an area beginning at a point on Penn Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990848. SECOND READING - BILL 990848
An ordinance amending Title 9 of the Philadelphia Code by amending Chapter 9-2000, entitled "Sale of Malt or Brewed Beverages."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990867.
An ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner and the Revenue Commissioner to provide automatic meter-reader systems to large commercial and industrial SECOND READING - BILL 990867 accounts.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990810.
An ordinance constituting the third supplemental ordinance to the General Gas Works Revenue Bond Ordinance authorizing the Director of Finance, on behalf of the City, to enter into a Qualified Swap Agreement.
The clerk SECOND READING - BILL 990810 will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990806.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriation for Fiscal Year 2000 within the Aviation Fund.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990807.
An ordinance authorizing transfers and appropriation for Fiscal Year 1999 within the Aviation Fund.
Aye. SECOND READING - BILL 990808 The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of the Bill No. 9908088.
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 1999 within the General Fund.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of the Bill No. 990836. SECOND READING - BILL 990836
An ordinance authorizing transfers in appropriations for Fiscal Year 2000.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 970350.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed situate at 4700, 4702, 4704, 4706, 4706 Market Street.
The clerk SECOND READING - BILL 970350 will call the roll.
Excuse me. I don't know that we're hearing the vote at all up here. May we have your attention, please. Let's start the roll-call vote on that again, please.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 980894.
An ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Philadelphia Housing Authority for the property at Hill Creek Housing Project.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990566.
An ordinance amending Chapter 17-1700 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Procurement Contracts," by adding provisions related to the "wrap-up" insurance programs.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in SECOND READING - BILL 990671 the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990671.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City, to enter into a lease agreement with the Philadelphia Design and Distribution Center.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990722.
An ordinance authorizing SECOND READING - BILL 990722 the selection and appropriation, or the purchase in lieu of condemnation, of certain lots of ground with the improvements thereon situate at 1467, 1469 North 52nd Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990753.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement for the Philadelphia Authority with SECOND READING - BILL 990753 Industrial Development for the further sublease to the University of Sciences in Philadelphia.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990755.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed situate at 1602 to 44 North American Street.
The clerk SECOND READING - BILL 990755 will call the roll.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990759.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia City, to enter into a lease agreement with the Center in the Park.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990764.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed situate at 5751 North Broad Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990767.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to purchase certain lots for a public recreational park purposes.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 990768 majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990768.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into a lease agreement with the African-American Museum.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990769. SECOND READING - BILL 990769
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed situate at 1307 South -
The noise level is much too high in here. Anybody having private conversations, please do so in the corridor. Would the Chief Clerk please start reading that bill again.
990769, an ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to execute and deliver to the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development a deed situate at 1307-09 South Broad Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990770.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a sublease agreement for office space located at 1401 Arch Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 990818 majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990818.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a lease agreement for certain underground public garage facilities.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990842. SECOND READING - BILL 990842
An ordinance consenting to the transfer and assignment of the Area II Cable Television Franchise from Wade Communications Partnership to Urban Cable Works of Philadelphia.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Bill No. 990843 will be called for consideration.
An ordinance renewing the Area II Cable Television Franchise held by Wade Communications Partnership. SECOND READING - BILL 990843
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Councilman Nutter, your light is blinking and it's not very strong. Did you want to be recognized, or is there something wrong?
It's strong now, Madam President. Yes, I just wanted to be recorded as voting aye on any bills that I may have missed during my temporary absence from the chambers.
The record will so indicate. Thank you. SECOND READING - BILL 990850
The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990850.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property to enter into a purchase and sale agreement with the Philadelphia Museum of Art Corporation, (The Museum of Art).
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 980464. SECOND READING - BILL 990864
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Gardenia Lane, under certain terms and conditions.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill being called for consideration is Bill No. 990144.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Lenox Avenue, south side, Broad Street to 15th Street.
The clerk will call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 990144
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990148.
An ordinance authorizing Michael Del Quadro, owner of the property 1100 Mercy Street, to construct and maintain various encroachments.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990456.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 197 by striking from the City Plan Russell Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990457.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on K Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Sedgley Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING - BILL 990458 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990458.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on L Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Sedgley Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990459.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on M SECOND READING - BILL 990459 Street, both sides, from Erie Avenue to Kensington Avenue.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Bill No. 990460 is to be called up next.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on 13th Street, east side, Jackson Street to Snyder Avenue.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990461.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sixth Street, both sides.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990462.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Sydenham Street, west side, Cecil B. Moore Avenue to Montgomery Avenue.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 990529 majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Bill No. 990529 is next.
An ordinance establishing a no parking regulation Belgrade Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990530.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on both SECOND READING - BILL 990530 sides of St. Vincent Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990531.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on both sides of Keystone Street, from Devereaux Avenue to Robbins Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. Again, I'm going to ask that we could hear how Councilmembers are voting. Thank you. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990572.
An ordinance amending Title 11 of the Philadelphia Code, relating to "Streets," by amending Chapter 11-200.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990646.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Snyder Avenue.
The clerk will call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 990646
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990647.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Passyunk Avenue, both sides.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990648.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on Juniper Street, west side.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 990672 majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990672.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 163 of the area bounded by Ridge Avenue, Calumet Street, and the Philadelphia Germantown and Norristown Railroad.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for SECOND READING - BILL 990674 consideration is Bill No. 990674.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of a sewer and appurtenant work on Rodney Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990675.
An ordinance authorizing the paving of Heritage Drive, Palisades Drive, Merrick Road, East Falls Lane, Capital View Drive, Gustine Lake Drive, Schuykill Falls Circle, SECOND READING - BILL 990675 Genesis Terrace, Hilltop Lane, Falling Water Lane, and Founders Place.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990676.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of a sanitary sewer and appurtenant work in a portion of Minerva Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990677.
An ordinance to authorize the Water Commissioner, on behalf of the City, to enter into an agreement with the owners of the properties on Rodney Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990684.
An ordinance authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property and the Director of Commerce to grant to the Department of Transportation a perpetual area structural support easement to replace the Market Street and Chestnut Street ramps.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990713.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 42 by striking from the City Plan and vacating the legally open portions of 32nd Street from Market Street to Chestnut.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 990720 majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990720.
An ordinance authorizing the construction of a water main and appurtenant work on St. Bernard Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990729.
An ordinance to SECOND READING - BILL 990729 authorize the Water Commissioner to enter into an agreement with the owners of St. Bernard Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990725.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 307 by relocating a portion of the southerly curblines on Cuthbert Street.
The clerk will call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 990725
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990726.
An ordinance amending provisions of the Philadelphia Code relating to sidewalk cafes in Center City.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990727.
An ordinance authorizing La LaLiberte L.P. to construct and maintain two electrified marquees.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A SECOND READING - BILL 990754 majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990754.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 246 by striking from the City Plan and vacating 42nd Street from Woodland Avenue.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990756. SECOND READING - BILL 990756
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 194 by striking from the City Plan Hope Street, from York Street to Cumberland Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990763.
An ordinance authorizing the Water Commissioner to enter into agreements with the owners of the properties on Parkwood SECOND READING - BILL 990763 Lane.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990765.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 97 by relocating a portion of the southerly curbline of Pemberton Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990766.
An ordinance authorizing Filbert Street Associates to construct, own, and maintain a bridge over Cuthbert Street, between 12th and 13th.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990811.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 97 by striking from the City Plan a three-foot-wide portion of Passyunk Avenue.
Aye. SECOND READING - BILL 990814 The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990814.
An ordinance granting permission to Frank Milorey to construct, use, and maintain an oversized prototype newsstand on a temporary basis.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for SECOND READING - BILL 990815 consideration is Bill No. 990815.
An ordinance granting permission to Sing Tak Wong to construct, use, and maintain an oversized prototype newsstand on a temporary basis.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990816.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 319 and 347 by striking from the SECOND READING - BILL 990816 City Plan Stanwood Street to Verree Road from Rising Sun Avenue.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990834.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 246 by striking portions of 45th Street.
The clerk will call the roll. SECOND READING - BILL 990834
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990835.
An ordinance establishing a parking regulation on the east side of State Road between Linden Avenue and Rhawn Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990837.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 194 by striking from the City Plan and vacating Bodine Street from Cumberland Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990839.
An ordinance authorizing the revision of lines and grades on a portion of City Plan No. 152 by placing Yokum Street on the City Plan in the vicinity of 68th Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. SECOND READING - BILL 990840 The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990840.
An ordinance establishing a no-truck-parking regulation on Stenton Avenue, both sides, from Broad Street to 17th Street.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990845.
An ordinance granting permission to Metricom, Inc. to construct, SECOND READING - BILL 990845 install, maintain and operate for the provision of wireless data communication services.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The clerk will please read the title of Bill No. 990003.
An ordinance amending Section 9-205 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled "Sidewalk Sales."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990757.
An ordinance repealing Section 9-614, entitled "Home Repair Businesses," and Section 9-1002, entitled "Roofers."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990868.
An ordinance amending Title 4 of the Philadelphia Code by revising Chapter 31, entitled "Fireworks."
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in SECOND READING - BILL 990809 the affirmative, the bill passes. The next bill to be called for consideration is Bill No. 990809.
An ordinance authorizing the Health Commissioner, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to enter into an agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Department of Public Welfare, for the City to manage the HealthChoices Behavioral Health Program.
Aye. The ayes are 16, the nays are 0. A majority of all Members of Council having voted in the affirmative, the bill passes. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS I believe that completes our calendar, does it not?
Thank you, Madam President. I would like to be recorded as voting aye on any bills called while I was temporarily absent from the chambers.
The record will so record your request. Thank you.
We will now consider resolutions. I would ask the Chief Clerk to please read Resolution No. 990809. I'm sorry that's not 809, is it? It's 890, is it not?
That's right. Resolution No. 990890, a resolution approving the City of Philadelphia's amended 911 Plan and authorizing the Commissioner of Public Property, on behalf of the City of Philadelphia, to submit the amended 911 Plan to the Pennsylvania CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS Emergency Management Agency for review and approval, as required by the Pennsylvania Public Safety Emergency Telephone Act.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990890 be adopted. All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 990890 stands approved. The clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990651.
A resolution authorizing the City Council of Philadelphia to hold a public hearing to investigate the possibility of changing the existing procurement process for salvers that pick up abandoned automobiles to a procurement process that creates a request-for-proposal system CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS for each police district.
Madam President, I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990615 be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 990615 stands approved. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990775.
A resolution authorizing the Committee of Public Safety to hold hearings on the efficacy of the investigation of prosecution of sex crimes in the City, including, but not limited to, the practices and procedures of the Philadelphia Police Department's Special Victim Unit's use of the non-offense code 2701 and code 2625. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS
I move the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been moved and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990775 be approved. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 990775 stands approved. The Chief Clerk will please read the title of Resolution No. 990041.
A resolution authorizing the City Council's Committee on Education to hold public hearings on a proposal to require the School District of the City of Philadelphia to educate elementary and secondary school-aged children about the historical events surrounding the Great Irish Famine of 1945-1950.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Miller. CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS
Thank you, Madam President. I move for the adoption of the resolution. (Duly seconded.)
It has been and properly seconded that Resolution No. 990041 be adopted. All in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The ayes have it and Resolution No. 990041 stands approved. Councilman Nutter, did you want to be recognized?
Today, we have a special presentation under our special order of business. Today, we honor Councilwoman Augusta Clark, a longtime Councilperson who has put her heart and soul into the matters of this HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK body. Gussie, you have been a true lady and a wonderful friend, whose class, charm, and winning smile have made you a very popular figure here in Council. As an able Majority Whip, Gussie worked closely with me on many important issues, always willing to share her invaluable experience and expertise. Her clever quips and one-liners have caused all of us to laugh on occasion. To me, she is one of the finest public servants that I have been privileged to know. I will always hold her in high regard as a positive reflection of this outstanding Council. Gussie, today, we wish you well. I bid you much success and offer this tribute. You have always been a decent and fair leader, one whose influence and abiding respect will linger in these halls long after you are gone from here. Know that this will always be your home and that you are always welcome to come back at any time. And I assure you that Council will never be the same without you. However, I pray HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK that God will bless you with continued good health and much happiness. We're all going to miss you very much.
And at this time, I would ask my colleagues Councilwoman Tasco and all of the other Councilmembers to please come forward to make a presentation to our dear colleague, Augusta Clark. (All Councilmembers come forward.)
Councilwoman? Let's make room for Gussie; she hasn't left yet.
This is, indeed, a very sad day for us. We have this resolution for you, Gussie, and then after this resolution, we are going to return to our seats, and everybody has something good to say about you.
So we're standing here today to give you a resolution because you have given so many through the years. We are real pleased as your colleagues to present this HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK resolution that begins by saying: Whereas, Augusta Clark, born in Alabama and raised in West Virginia, came to City Council in 1980, after earning a business degree from West Virginia State College, a master's degree from Drexel University, and a JD from Temple University School of Law; and. . .
Whereas, Councilwoman Clark came into government during a tumultuous time of struggle, change, and reform. She joined the fray as a consistent advocate for education and chaired the Education Committee for a dozen years. . .
And during that time, she became increasingly convinced that economic development was directly linked to equal rights, and fought for justice for women, people of color, and even for whole neighborhoods; and. . .
My friend. And whereas, Mrs. Clark currently serves as the Majority Whip, a position which has enabled her to manage and steer legislation and policy through her leadership role among her colleagues. HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK
In addition, she chairs the Committee on Public Property and Public Works, and is an active participant in other major committees of this Council; and. . .
Whereas, for her continuing commitment to the best possible quality of life for all of the citizens of this city, the Councilwoman has received awards and tributes far too numerous to list.
They include two honorary doctorate degrees, the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for Outstanding Service, the Drexel University Centennial Medal, the Finer Womanhood Award of Zeta Phi Beta sorority, and many others.
Additionally, in spite of her legislative responsibilities, Councilwoman Clark has still found the time and energy to devote to numerous civic and social organizations, all of which have benefitted from her skill and experience; and. . .
Whereas, during her long tenure as a legislator in this City Council,, Councilwoman Augusta Clark has become something of a legend. She may correct our grammar or our HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK manners or our point of view, she may be a loving friend in social situations or a truly fierce warrior in the promulgation of a position.
She may use the bully pulpit for cajole or struggle, but make no mistake, she is the most dedicated and committed legislator and she loves Philadelphia in an active and involved way, thus making it a better, more humanistic and more compassionate place for all of us; and. . .
Whereas, Augusta Alexander Clark has brought enormous pride to her family, benefit to her city, and distinction to this Council. We are saddened by her decision to retire.
And, yet, we know that the Good Lord is not done with her yet, and we expect to see her in these halls and elsewhere, involved as ever, doing the good work for which she is so well known and highly respected. Now, therefore. . .
. . . resolved by the Council of the City of Philadelphia that we hereby pay tribute to our colleague and friend, HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK the Honorable Augusta A. Gussie Clark.
And we thank her for her years of friendship, sensitivity, wit, and wisdom, and we publicly recognize her contributions to her city and to her community.
And finally resolved that an engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Councilwoman Augusta A. Clark as evidence of the highest esteem and sincere affection of this legislative body. Certification that this is a true and correct copy of the original resolution adopted by the Council of the City of Philadelphia, on the 16th day of December, 1999. It is signed by Anna Verna, President of City Council, introduced by Marian B. Tasco, and it is signed by all Members of City Council. We love you, Gussie, and we'll miss you. (Applause.)
Councilwoman Clark, I think that some of our colleagues would like to express their feelings about you, so maybe they could all take their seats and be recognized. HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK
Thank you, Madam President. I'm sure that this will only be the first in a long line of speakers. I have clearly learned a great deal from Councilwoman Clark -- or as we often referred to her as, Gussie -- both here on the floor in the Council and outside of this body, at numerous meetings and activities, and sometimes literally in her living room, where anytime you go over Councilwoman Clark's house, after hello, the first thing she says is, You want something to eat, you want something to drink? Notwithstanding her leaving us here today, I assume that those privileges still extend to all of us as we come by. In terms of her legislative activities and just kind of floor management and committee activity, I will never forget the first time I heard the Councilwoman, in the course of some debate or some argument on the floor, make the HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK point to someone that the speech of the day was a difference between free speech and cheap talk. That is one of the better ones. She has some others, some which we may not be able to repeat here today. But I have enjoyed working with her and knowing her prior to my time here in City Council, but the last eight years have really been great. And I just want to say thank you for everything.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Mariano.
Thank you, Madam President. I'm going to let everyone in on the secret here. Gussie's actually my cousin on my mother's side. (Laughter.)
My mother's maiden name was Clark, spelled the same. And Gussie didn't want to tell anybody that 'cause everybody would figure we would always vote the same. And I've been known to lose my temper -- not in public, not that I would ever do that. HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK But many times in private, while most of the people in Council are afraid to talk to me when that happens, well, that's why Gussie is always the one to come to me to say, Rick, stop it. Rick, calm down. So I asked Gussie today, who does this after she leaves? 'cause I think she had some kind of deal with my mother. And I found out recently that her father was a coal miner from West Virginia. And my grandfather was a coal miner from Shamokin, Pennsylvania, so beside being related, we have that in common. So I don't know who that job goes to, who gets to talk to me off the record -- that was Gussie's job, but I will miss her like the best friend I ever had in Council. So Gussie, you know, please come around. And like Councilman Nutter, I like the food and the free drinks, so I'll be over to your house too. Thank you. Thanks for being here.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Ortiz.
I go back with HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK Gussie to years before City Council, before either of us were in this body. And one things that is something that is not known is that we also share fraternity or sororities. I am a Zeta Phi Beta. Everybody doesn't know that, but I am a member of the Zeta Phi Beta fraternity of the University of Puerto Rico. But Gussie has always be been a person that has spoken her mind. As they say in Puerto Rico (Councilman speaks in Spanish) -- I'll translate it later for the stenographer. But it says that her words are her armaments. She uses the English language like very few people have ever done and very few people have ever used it in this Council. When she speaks, it truly paints pictures of the ideas that she wants to express. I am very glad to have called her my friend. She has graced us with her presence and her language and her words. And I want to thank her for our friendship. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Kenney.
Thank you, Madam HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK President. Not too long ago, I met a man who was a friend of my parents', and he said to me, I hated the way your parents raised, it used to drive me crazy. And I said, Well, why is that? And he said, Because your parents let you express your opinion on anything you wanted to at the dinner table, at parties with adults. Whether it was sports or religion or politics, they let you speak your mind. And I'll tell ya, sometimes at dinner at my house, it got a little loud, it got a little angry, and it got a little crazy. But for the past eight years, I have felt at times that I was sitting across the dinner table from my sister or my father or my mother, who all entered and joined into the fray. And I think during the course of my lifetime in that house Cantrell Street, I think I sharpened my debating skills and my wit and my ability to have that interaction. And I love arguing with you. You are one of the finest persons who I have ever had the privilege of arguing with. And I don't know what you're going to do to me now; you're going to HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK leave me just with Mr. Cohen. (Laughter.)
He'll be the only one left that I have to go tete-a-tete. But seriously, one of the things that I have admired about you, in addition to your kindness and friendship and class, is your commitment to what you do. There have been times that I've sat in here and I've seen you try to hide that inhaler as you've sat and chaired a committee hearing. As a matter of fact, the other day, we were doing a public property committee pretty late, and you had on a little help with a tank and some oxygen. And I know you've struggled with some illness and problems, but you're always there, you always come to work, you drag yourself in because you're committed to what you do. And I think all of us have learned a great example from you, both in style and class and in commitment to your job. And I tell you what, I think you're a beautiful person inside and out I'm, and going to miss you terribly.
Thank you. HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK The Chair recognizes Councilman O'Neill.
Thank you. Gussie, twenty years ago, you and I about this time were having private meetings with Councilman Cohen and some others that had just been elected, trying to discuss how we were going to overthrow the Council leadership at the time and -(Laughter.)
Little did we know that they were in the process of overthrowing themselves. We went through some hard times together, but you had come here a different color, a different gender, a different party; you're at large, I'm a district; you're a little shorter than me. And now I see no differences when we talk, when we -- and it's developed over the years. And I think it's a tribute to your personality and your ability to deal with people, you're a people person. And I know you championed education for most of your time here, but you would have been a HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK great teacher, because teachers are instinctive in dealing with people. And if you could win me over to your side, you could win any student, believe me. But the one thing that I'd like to say finally is that it is usually asked of people by wiser types, philosophers, Would you rather be liked or respected and? How people respond to that or learn that you usually have to make a choice. And some people never get liked or respected, but at least they usually see that you have to go in one direction or the other. I think the greatest tribute that I can think of in terms of Gussie Clark is that she managed to find a way to be liked and respected. And I thank you on behalf of my constituents for giving yourself to this city for twenty years. Thanks, Gussie.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman Cohen.
Thank you, Madam President. It's hard in a few minutes to discuss what Gussie Clark means as a personal friend, as HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK well as a member of this body. I've never known anyone with the clarity of language that she has, and it's matched by the deep compassion and feeling and the intensity of that feeling for human values of all kinds. She's been a champion at every level. And one of the greatest achievements I think she leaves in this last year of her service is the comparison between the first year of her service, when women in City Council were hardly ever recognized as being worthy of holding a position, and she leaves in a year which, I think, is going to find her final achievement in that the next Council will have all of its leadership positions filled by women. And I think that's an enormous achievement for everyone, and I think Gussie's contribution in Council has enabled Council to achieve that height. Thank you, Gussie, for every personal and principled position that you've taken, and you've always done that. Thank you so much.
Thank you, Madam HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK President. First of all, I would like to welcome Councilman Mariano to the Clarke family. (Laughter.)
We're having a reunion next summer, so we'll look forward to seeing you there. Councilwoman, I'd just like to say that late last year, as the newest member of Council, I had to make a decision as to whether or not I was going to run for office and join this illustrious body. And as you sit down and strategize, you talk about a lot of things, you talk about your ability to raise money, you talk about your ability to put together an organization, and you talk about endorsements. But I think the one thing at a kind of put me over the hump was of that name recognition issue. Because of you, all right, because of you, 'cause, as you know, I have been called your son on many occasion, you know. And I think because of that, I made a decision to run. And I want to say that as a result of that, I have a mission and a task because the HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK Clark name in this Council has meant a lot to a lot of people throughout the years. So I just want to say that I will do my best -- maybe not for 20 years -- but I will do best to continue the Clark name and the fine work that you've done to the best of my ability. So I want to say thank you for all of the help that you've given me over the years as a as a staff member, and thank you for your blessings once I got elected. Thank you so much.
Councilwoman Clark, Gussie, I had the privilege of coming in here with you 20 years ago. And, indeed, it was a privilege. You made it enjoyable. I'll miss your sense of fairness and honesty, and your fair opinions. And I also believe that when you can (inaudible) with a smile rather than a frown, it's a compliment. And I compliment you and I surely am going to miss you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK Longstreth.
Gussie, can you hear me? (Laughter.) (Councilman Thacher sings "You Must Have Been a Beautiful Baby" to Councilwoman Clark. (Applause.)
Thank you, Madam President. When I think back over the years, I must say the two things that I remember most about Gussie were, one, we were in the caucus room and we were using it for a Black Elected Officials meeting back then, and Lou was chairman of the Black Elected Officials and Black Ward Leaders. And I worked to hard, I got my little donuts out, you know, I tried to be such a good wife and a good aide. I got my donuts out, I got my hot chocolate out and I got tea, and we got the coffee out. And then I met Gussie Clark, and she wanted tea with fresh lemon. So that was my initial reaction. So then I learned that when you HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK have tea with Gussie, you've got to have fresh lemon. And the second thing I remember was a meeting with George Schwartz, former president George Schwartz. And he George Schwartz looked at Gussie and asked her to take notes. I think she will remember. Gussie said, "I don't take minutes and I don't do windows." Do you remember that? (Laughter.)
So we learned immediately that this was a woman who knew who she is and knew who she was and who didn't take any of the foolishness. Those are my first recollections. And I will say that over the years, having succeeded Lou and having been able to sit in his seat, although a new member. It made a real big difference to me to be the recipient of friendship due to their positive relationship. Gussie mentioned it today, how close she and Lou are and have been, and how much he supported her and how she never forgot it, and certainly has tried to be a friend to me and she. Has finally, I make two final points. HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK I always, and I always tell Gussie this. Gussie Clark is the only person who could come in a room at the end of a hearing, take two seconds, and lead the debate, figure out what's going on and just take over. She really, really has that wit, charm, and the command of the language and all that has been said about her. And lastly, AKA. I tell you, Gussie, if she's going away to an AKA conference, if it lasts a month, she wears her colors every day that month. She is a serious sorority sister. And with that, we say we love you, thank you for the friendship, thanks for all that you meant to me and to this body. God bless you and Godspeed.
Thank you, Madam President. I would just like to thank Councilwoman Clark for being helpful to me, for being willing to share information freely, to reach out. I remember, after I won the primary in 1995, one of HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK the first Councilpeople that called me was Councilwoman Clark, and I thought it was just, you know, just a little polite courtesy call. But she truly meant that she wanted to be of service and wanted help me. I want to thank her for extending that hand to me and reaching out and touching for the last four years. I knew her a little teeny bit before I came to Council. And my mom -- she worked with a group that my mother belongs to, and then when she realized that that was my mother, she said, Oh, that's the family that people say I look alike. So Gussie and my mother kind of look alike. And I do want to thank you. I think you're an inspiration to others, you're a good role model, and I just thank you, thank you, and we'll miss you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilman DiCicco.
Thank you, Madam President. Like a young boy going to school for the first time, in 1996, when I entered the HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK Council caucus room, I was very frightened. And although I had come to know many of the people in this room and have known and them for a number of years, and I know I could have depended on them for their advice, the one person I remember distinctly is looking across that huge caucus table was Gussie. She has this smile and a little bit of a twinkle in her eye, that I looked at her and was very reassured at that moment in time that there was somebody special in that room that I knew that I could depend on. It was kind of like a parental or a motherly look on your face. And ever since that time, when I came into these chambers and I tried to express myself, a little bit frightened about whether my vocabulary or my grammar was correct -- by the way you really made me feel insecure the first time I heard you speak, totally insecure, 'cause you've mastered the English language perfectly. I would always look to my right, and you normally sit on the edge of your chair and would look at me in a way and checking me out to make certain that whatever it was I was about to say was correct. And I appreciate you for that. HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK And I am more happy today than ever that I refused to give up this seat because I had sat behind you I've because I never would been able to see your face. But I want to thank you for always being there. You have from time to time come across the room to talk to me about some of the issues. And I think I have the distinct honor, among all the colleagues here, to say that while you were gentle with everyone, I recall the time that you came here, got my left arm and twisted it behind my back to convince me on how I should vote on a bill. But thank you and good luck to you on whatever you decide to do in the future. Thank you.
Thank you, Madam President. Gussie, I'd like to first thank you for making this Council and the City of Philadelphia a better place for everybody to live in. And I've truly enjoyed working with you for the last four HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK years, and I'd like to wish you and your family a very, very happy and healthy retirement. Thank you.
Thank you. The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Tasco.
Thank you very much. And to my colleagues, I will be brief. But I would just like to say that, Gussie, you and I have been together a long time. We were a part of the Bill Gray team. And in 1979, when she decided to run for City Council, we all gathered in that famous dining room, with some fried chicken, to plan the strategy for her campaign. I want to say thank you for the wonderful work you've done in the last 20 years you've been in Council, representing all of the constituents of the City. You always tell me when I talk about my district, you say, But I have the entire city, and you remind me that you represent 1.5 million people. And I echo all of the other comments that have been made. HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK Two points I want to make. We've been in a lot of wars together. And there was one famous battle at her house where she had to calm me down, we'll always laugh about that. And I will always remember out all the many, many funny things you've said, the serious comments you've made, I will always remember the "trust me" speech that she gave in the Council caucus room relative to the Kvaerner project about how saying "trust me" is like the little boy telling the young girl when he's trying to. . . (Laughter.)
. . . Take care of business, trust me, trying to get over, trust me. That will always be a part of my remembrance of you. You've always teased me about being with the wrong sorority. You said we made a mistake you, but we are friendly sisters because you and I represent all of the sororities as we served in this Council. So we will miss you. You have been a great mentor because besides just knowing all of the technicalities of Council, you have taught me HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK the nuances, the behind the scenes, the little things you need to know as you legislate, negotiate, and interact with my colleagues. So I want to thank you so much for your leadership. And with that, Madam President, I'd like to present to you this gift from all of your colleagues, and say thank you for your service. And a good voyage in your next endeavor. We know you'll be around. (Applause.)
I would also like to say there's a little card here that we had done for Councilwoman Clark, and we'd like all of our colleagues to sign it first, and then other staff members of Council, and we invite the press to sign the card also to say farewell to Gussie Clark.
The Chair recognizes Councilwoman Clark. (Councilwoman Clark comes forward.)
Thank you. Madam President and my esteemed colleagues, while we were voting, I wrote a HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK speech, and I don't usually write a speech, but I was a little bit nerves because today is a day we've been looking forward to, and yet, I have this tangle of emotions. I'm experiencing conflicting emotions. This is my last City Council meeting, ending 20 years of service to a city which I adopted as my own when I came here, a green country girl, fresh from West Virginia, bound and determined to make good here in this big city. I am happy because I believe today that Philadelphia is a very, very different town from the one I inherited in January of 1980. " Then I freely and frankly admitted that I could not solve all of the City's problems, but I vowed out loud to open the windows and doors and turn on the lights so that the citizens could see into and evaluate what local government does. Then, more than 8 out of 10 Philadelphians did not know even 3 members of City Council by name or by sight. We promised to publicly state what HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK local government ought to do; then citizens could judge us on how well we did our jobs. Education was in deep trouble. Libraries were more closed than opened. Police community relations were at an all-time low point. Jobs, economic development, community revitalization, and investment in human capital remained to be tackled by us as a legislative body that cared about citizens. I have long been associated with public education, having chaired that committee for twelve years. For the last eight years, I chaired the Council Committee on Public Property and Public Works. This committee has subject matter jurisdiction over cable TV, in addition to all of the buildings and cars that the City has and typewriters and computers and all of the, quote, property. In addition, I sought to speak up and speak out for those persons who have been left out. I've advocated for men and women, for minorities and small-business owners in the way the City contracts are allocated. Neighborhoods suffering from neglect HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK and planned obsolescence have had a vocal spokesperson in me. While I've sat here, the Convention Center was built, after much, much talking. I-95 was opened so that Philadelphians could efficiently use it. While schools have steadily improved, although much remains to be done. East of Market Street, the Avenue of the Arts, north and south, just to name a few. All these memories and more flood my thoughts today and make me smile with pride. But who knew that I would be leaving my seat with my colleagues, and that it would raise such a serious lump in my throat. Men and women with whom I have worked for such a noble cause for so long, and against whom I have struggled so diligently. People who seem so different prove what all of us know instinctively, and that is our similarities are greater than our differences. Some of us are tall, some are short, some are thin, some are fat, some are white, some are black, some male, some female, but essentially HONORING OF AUGUSTA CLARK what with we all our is God's creation into whom He put a spark of divinity. Each of us is made in God's image out of the best that He had. And we struggled to trying to represent our people the best that we could. And so, we are different. But our differences or cosmetic. Our similarities are systemic. And we can't walk away from them, we can't paint them over. One of the things that I hope I'm leaving behind as I leave this chamber today is a respect for the other person's point of view. And all those "Gussieisms" look for them in my book and buy a few copies, 'cause I need the money. I leave this body, I take each of you with me locked in my memory, deep in my heart. Our shared love for this city of brotherly love and sisterly effectiveness will link us inextricably forever. Thanks for the memories, and God bless you. )
We have to do ADJOURNMENT one last formal act, and I would ask my colleagues to please stay. I would just like to recognize Councilwoman Clark for a motion to adjourn. That's her last duty, and we will take a vote immediately after the motion is made.
Madam President, I move that Council be adjourned sine die, which means to a date not yet determined.
All those in favor will signify by saying aye. Those opposed? The motion is carried and Council will stand adjourned. (Adjourned at 1:33 p.m.) C E R T I F I C A T E I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing proceedings of the Council of the City of Philadelphia of Thursday, December 16, 1999, were reported fully and accurately by me, and that this is a correct transcript of same. RE: STATED MEETING __________________________________, JOSEPHINE CARDILLO, Registered Professional Reporter